Fruit merchant hurt trying to stop thieves stealing his car in Lower Gornal
A fruit merchant – badly hurt after being dragged along while trying to stop a thief taking his car – says he now faces a long, painstaking journey to full recovery.
Stuart Timmins has been told by doctors he will not be able to walk for six months after being discharged from hospital following a second operation on his leg.
The 48-year-old suffered a complex fracture of his lower leg as he attempted to stop a man making off with his Mitsubishi car and attached apple-filled trailer from William Timmins' and Sons yard in Bird Street, Lower Gornal, on March 25.
As his car was driven away, Mr Timmins chased it and then clung onto the driver's door as it accelerated before eventually letting go after 300 yards.
Today, Mr Timmins, who lives in Himley Road, Gornal Wood, said he felt like a trapped animal and could not wait to return to his normal, active life.
He said: "It sounds sad but every day I am looking forward to the evening because I can go to bed and sleep and that is one step closer to recovery."
Mr Timmins is working hard to continue his business while fitting in regular visits to the hospital for check-ups. His firm collects fruit and potatoes from farmers' markets and then delivers them to firms such as Dudley Zoo and care homes. Mr Timmins said: "I've now got a cast on my leg with pins and plates fitted inside – they say I may be walking again in six months.
"I cannot wait to get out and about again."
Mr Timmins has applied for compensation through the justice system to help him through the injury recovery. The red and silver Mitsubishi LT 200 vehicle, which has an Artel Motor Sport sticker on its back, has not been seen since the theft.
The trailer was left dumped at Gornal Crematorium the day after the theft – but was then stolen again the following day.
A 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with with theft of a motor vehicle, wounding, robbery and driving while disqualified on April 15.
He appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court, but the case was sent to Wolverhampton Crown Court where he will appear for a hearing in July.
